Massachusetts Republican Gov. Charlie Baker Won't Seek a Third Term in 2022
By 270toWin Staff
December 1, 2021, 10:20 AM ET
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, a popular Republican governor in a deep blue state, said Wednesday that he will not seek a third term in 2022.
?@MassGovernor? is NOT running for a third term. Here’s the letter to supporters that just went out. #wcvb pic.twitter.com/Qql3yQQ1O4
— Karen Anderson (@karenreports) December 1, 2021
More popular with Democrats and Independents than his own party, Baker was facing a primary challenge from the right by Donald Trump-endorsed former state Rep. Geoff Diehl.
Democrats in the race already include State Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz and former State Sen. Ben Downing. Popular Attorney General Martha Healey, a moderate, has considered running. That candidacy may now be more likely given the incumbent's departure.
The race was seen as Likely Republican with Baker running; we expect forecasters to dramatically shift those ratings towards Democrats in the days ahead. Thus far, Cook Political has moved its rating from Safe Republican to Leans Democratic.
